Driven by the need to improve productivity and safety, companies are looking for ways to collect more data on their plant operations. Consequently, there is a rising demand for field wireless devices that can be installed in difficult-to-wire locations. Yokogawa Electric Corporation's newly developed multi-function wireless adaptor enables existing wired devices to function as ISA100 Wireless field wireless devices. The mounting of this adaptor on any wired device that transmits/receives digital ON/OFF signals, or receives 4–20 mA analog increases the variety of devices that can be used with field wireless systems in industries such as oil & gas, LNG, refining, petrochemicals, chemicals, power, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, food, and iron and steel.
For use with limit switches, solenoid valves, analog transmitters, and other device types, the adaptor has two channels for digital input signals that are used to monitor the ON/OFF state of devices, one channel for digital signals that output the ON/OFF state of devices, and one channel for receiving 4–20 mA analog process value signals from transmitters. An all-weather model is waterproof and dustproof; an explosion-proof model that can be used in flammable gas environments is expected to be released by the end of 2015.
ISA100 Wireless is a technology based on the ISA100.11a standard. It includes ISA100.11a-2011 communications, an application layer with process control industry standard objects, device descriptions and capabilities, a gateway interface, infrared provisioning, and a backbone router. Yokogawa released the first ISA100 Wireless system devices and wireless pressure and temperature transmitters in July 2010. According to a spokesman, "In line with the Wireless Anywhere concept for field wireless solutions, Yokogawa will continue to expand its lineup of ISA100 Wireless transmitters and other devices such as adaptors to develop best-in-class solutions that provide higher value to customers, and promote the use of field wireless technologies."
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